On March 1, the board met by committee with all project leaders for the purpose of reviewing status of 1995 research projects and to review new proposals for 1996. Following those discussions, each of the three research committees formulated their funding recommendation for the new year.
Recommendations of each committee were as follows:
Total research funding for 1996-97 will be $1,419,767.
A complete listing of projects and their level of funding can be obtained by contacting the board at 501-228-1265.
Other actions taken during the March meetings included funding of a producer communication program to include production and distribution of three newsletters in the amount of $9,000.
Paul McCutchen was selected for renomination to the United Soybean Board. McCutchen's current term expires in December. Roger Pohlner was selected as the secondary nominee for that position.
Printing and distribution of the Soybeans Today publication by the Cooperative Extension Service was again authorized for 1996 with completion targeted for mid-December. The board requested that this publication replace the annual report brochure which was produced in addition to Soybeans Today in 1995.
The board also set Dec. 12, 1996, as the date for the annual Soybean Research Conference. Although no specific location has been determined, the board requested that it be held in east central or southeast Arkansas this year. Additional information on the conference will be included in future reports.
REVENUE: Gross Collections $2,629,408 Beginning Fund Balance 206,446 Excess Refunds Escrowed/Refunds Paid 5,143 TOTAL AVAILABLE REVENUE $2,840,997 Less: Refunds Escrowed $ 32,652 Transfers to other QSSBs 57,240 United Soybean Board 1,282,724 Revenue & Treasury 77,903 Total Deductions 1,450,519 NET AVAILABLE REVENUE $1,390,476 EXPENDITURES: Research & Extension $1,200,000 Producer Communication 26,779 Administration 12,444 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $1,239,223 ACCUMULATED REVENUE: Available Revenue $ 151,255
Conference presentations included sessions on reduced tillage, early season production systems and the latest weed control options for producers.
In addition, conference attendees heard discussions on the impact of the new seed laws, updated worker protection standards, the latest progress toward development of a drought-tolerant soybean variety and 1996 market strategies and price outlook for soybeans.
The conference was free to registrants, sponsored in part by checkoff dollars from the USB and in cooperation with the American Soybean Association.
States participating in the conference, in addition to Arkansas, were Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Printed below is the plan in its entirety.
Purpose: USB was created to invest checkoff funds to benefit U.S. soybean farmers.
Mission: Create an environment within which U.S. soybean producers can maximize profits.
Strategic Direction: Increase utilization of U.S. soybeans; improve U.S. soybean production efficiencies.
Administrative Goal: Assure that USB Board, committee and staff structures support effective and efficient accomplishment of mission.
Strategies:
New Uses Goal: Develop new uses to increase U.S. soybean utilization by 300 million bushels by 2005.
Strategies:
Strategies:
International Marketing Goal: Increase exports and increase U.S. market share to 60% of worldwide export market by 2005.
Strategies:
Production Goal: Produce U.S. soybeans more efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner to meet anticipated 3-billion-bushel demand by 2005.
Strategies:
A major merchandising, promotional and public relations campaign to encourage consumers to increase use of soybeans revolved around the theme: "The Bean Supreme."
The Soyfoods Association of America is offering several items for retailers and other organizations to use during National Soyfoods Month, as well as year-round, for soyfood promotions, including posters, "shelf-talkers," T-shirts, aprons, brochures and a newsletter that can be customized for different logos.
Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
ATTN: Ewell Welch
P.O. Box 31
Little Rock, AR 72203-0031
Phone: 501-228-1265.